JD U not in favour of laws against conversion for marriage KC Tyagi

    Patna, Dec 27 (PTI) At a time when BJP ruled states
are making legislation against conversion for marriage, the
Janata Dal (United), an ally of the saffron party in Bihar, on
Sunday asserted that such laws will create social hatred and
division in the society which it does not approve of.
    "An atmosphere of hatred and division is being created
in the society in the name of Love Jihad," Tyagi told
reporters after the party's national executive meeting here.
    The term "love jihad" is used by right-wing activists
to refer to the alleged campaign of Muslims forcing Hindu
girls to convert in the guise of love.
    "Provisions of the Constitution and CrPC give freedom
to two adults to choose life partners of their choice
irrespective of one's religion, caste or region," Tyagi said.
    Socialists have upheld the right of adults to marry
irrespective of caste and creed since the days of Dr Ram
Manohar Lohia, he said.
    Lohia was a socialist ideologue.
    The Cabinet in BJP governed Madhya Pradesh on Saturday
passed a Bill which provides for prison term of up to 10 years
and fine of Rs 1 lakh for conversion through marriage or by
any other fraudulent means.
    The bill in some ways is similar to an Ordinance
notified by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh last month.
    In UP, a PIL has been filed in the Allahabad High
Court challenging the ordiance, contending that it impinges
upon the fundamental right to choice and right to change of
faith. PTI AR
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)